Simultaneously, the NBA trade deadline and March Madness are bringing hoops to the forefront of the sports world. Boston Celtics fans should be tuned into both, considering the underperformance of the 2020-21 Cs.
Danny Ainge has not cashed in draft picks in many years for a headline name, and the last time he did, he had already selected Ante Zizic with the #1 pick before dealing him.
The $28 million traded player exception–created by the sign-and-trade transaction that sent Gordon Hayward to the Queen City–is probably how the team will get a deal done…if one is made at all.
That leaves the team’s upcoming draft choice as an outlet to improve the team’s roster. As the NCAA Tournament heats up, plenty of outlets are releasing their 2021 NBA mock drafts.
Fansided’s general NBA site, Sir Charles in Charge, released their latest mock, and with the #15 pick, Michael Saenz has the Boston Celtics selecting Charles Bassey out of Western Kentucky:
"The Boston Celtics have a big need at the center position and it’s safe to say that Tristan Thompson isn’t the long-term answer for the team. Short of them trading for a real difference-maker at the position by the NBA Trade Deadline, expect Boston to address it at the NBA Draft.One fit would be Charles Bassey, a 6-foot-11 big that fits the prototypical modern center. He’s athletic and has the potential to grow on the offensive end and put up impressive numbers during his junior season at Western Kentucky.Bassey averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks per game on 60 percent shooting from the field and 32 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s a name that could climb up draft boards during pre-draft workouts."
WKU missed the tournament after losing to North Texas–who one of several underdogs who picked up a first-round victory (theirs was over Purdue) in March Madness–in the Conference USA tournament.
Bassey was the star of the Hilltoppers, and his dominance in one of the better Group of 5 conferences showed that the massive pivot from Nigeria.
Given the presence of another West African giant (Tacko Fall) on the roster, it isn’t far-fetched to think Danny Ainge will bring more international flair to the Boston Celtics.